Ethiopia mudslide death toll rises to 257

The number of confirmed deaths in the Ethiopia mudslide disaster has risen to 257. Read about the impact and rescue operations.

Local authorities report that the death toll resulting from three consecutive landslide incidents in South Ethiopia has now reached 257 as of July 24th.

The day before, there were 157 confirmed deaths.

The government’s evacuation plan is being finalized, as reported by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Over 15,000 individuals who have been impacted require evacuation. Notably part of this group are a minimum of 1,320 young children under the age of five and 5,293 women who are either pregnant or currently breastfeeding.

On July 23rd, four trucks filled with life-saving supplies from the Ethiopian Red Cross were deployed to the area.

Medical supplies and two cars have been dispatched to the location by the Regional Health Bureau.

Financial and in-kind resources are being allocated by agencies for emergency response.

Ongoing search and rescue efforts are being supported by the Ethiopian Red Cross Society.

Local authorities, as quoted by OCHA, express concern that the number of casualties may increase to 500 individuals.

Heavy rainfall on July 21st and 22nd resulted in the occurrences of landslides.